I usually try to simplify my explanation of RSD as much as possible and only elaborate when people are really interested in being educated about it. Generally I go with something like, "I have RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy) and it's essentially a malfunction of my central nervous system that causes me to be in intense pain all the time." I know this doesn't even touch the surface in terms of a description of RSD...but for those who aren't really interested it is usually good enough. Oddly enough...I don't tend to get too many people saying things like, "You look fine." They may think it but I haven't ever had anyone say it to my face or question the severity of it (besides work comp and the crappy people at work who CAUSED my accident with their petty behavior of course but they would do that if both your legs were cut off so I don't count them and they certainly don't care about being educated about the condition). I definitely feel blessed to have family and friends who always supported me through this and even though I know they don't truly understand what it is like to live with this monster every day, they have never questioned the severity or made me feel like less of a person when I can't do something.